DC Nursing Programs

DC--Georgetown, Catholic University of America, George Washington University, Howard University

MD - University of Maryland, Towson, Salisbury University, Johns Hopkins, Morgan State, Bowie State

Not all of the schools listed above have good nursing programs in regards to their state licensure exam pass rates. When I looked at nursing schools, this was a big factor for me. If a school is unable to appropriately prepare students for taking the big NCLEX after graduation, I did not want to waste my time or money with them. Yes, it is not the only thing to consider when picking a nursing school, but it is definitely important.

For example, only 52% of Bowie State's 2014 graduating class passed their state boards. That is a terrible number. Usually a school should have pass rates of at least 85-90%. Here is the Maryland Board of Nursing's document for pass rates (Hopkins, University of Maryland and Salisbury's rates are the highest): http://www.mbon.org/education/nclex_rn_stats_fy14.pdf

These are the DC pass rates (I would consider applying to Georgetown based on these numbers): http://doh.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doh/service_content/attachments/NCLEX%20Pass%20Rates%202013-2014.pdf

BusyBSN2B is right. Look at a school's licensure exam pass rates. That's a good guide to the quality of their training. You do not want to put yourself in a situation where you're forced to self-study for months to learn what you weren't taught in school. That's lost time and lost money.

Also, if you can find the data, look at how many of each school's graduates have a nursing job a year after finishing school. That's a good indication of how well-regarded a school is among employers. And since you're interesting in maternity care, play particular attention to the hire rates in that area or talk to nurses in maternity care and find out if one school is particularly highly regarded.

Don't ignore expenses either, taking into account the real costs with out-of-state fees, scholarships, living expenses, and all. An expensive school that's only a tiny bit better than a less expensive one may not be better for you. Working to pay that added cost, during school or after graduation, could do you more harm than good. Statistics are just averages. Everyone is different.

Last of all, you seem great at planning ahead. You might try visiting the schools that look like the best options, attending some classes and talking to students. That'd give you a good feel for the school.

Good luck with your plans. Years ago I dated a labor and delivery nurse. She loved what she was doing and described it in perhaps more detail than I wanted. I suspect you'll love the work too. Much of nursing care is simply getting sick people well—good but not outstanding. Maternity care means bringing a new baby into the world—something very positive.